The Green Zone

McCain Quietly Spending on TV in Swing States

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) right boards his campaign charter with former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, June 2, 2008, at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. (Associated Press)

By Matthew Mosk
Republican John McCain has quietly spent about $1.5 million on television ads in key swing states over the past 90 days, trying to get an early edge with voters while his Democratic rival remains bogged down by a protracted primary battle.

The McCain advertising -- in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Michigan -- may also be an attempt to start countering what has been a huge television presence by Democrats over the past six months.

McCain has spent about $11 million on television ads so far during the campaign. By contrast, Democrat Barack Obama has spent $75 million during his presidential run, more than the entire Republican field combined, according to a new study by the Wisconsin Advertising Project.

The study, based on data compiled by the Campaign Media Analysis Group, found that getting up on television first, and being there alone, helped Obama in critical primary contests in February.

"In the nine states that Obama won in the two week period following the February 5 Super Tuesday primaries, Obama not only had an advantage in the number of ads that he aired, but in most of these nine contests, he was also first on the air and had the paid media airways all to himself for a significant part of the short campaigns," the study found. "For example, in Nebraska, during the short nine-day advertising air war, Obama was up alone, with his messages not countered for six days. In Wisconsin, the advertising air war lasted 14 days, and Obama was up alone for six of those days. In Maryland and Virginia, Obama had the airwaves all to himself for 7 out of 12 days."

Now it is McCain who is trying to get that early jump in crucial states, according to Evan Tracey, of the Campaign Media Analysis Group.

Tracey said McCain is chasing independent voters, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, who supported Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the primary and may now be feeling disgruntled as Obama emerges as the more likely nominee.

"If he can build up a little lead in some of these states, it just means Obama needs to work a little harder, spend a little more time there," Tracey said.

Comments

It looks like the boards have been abandoned to the disgruntled Hillary-ites the last couple days.

Well, good luck voting for McCain--but the person posting as "InSearchOfTruth" should probably change her handle to "InSearchOfAnEndToRoeV.Wade." That's what you're asking for if you vote for McCain.

You can imagine that a strong Democratic Congressional majority would overwhelm McCain's ability to veer rightward. However, don't forget that the three oldest Supreme Court justices--at least two of whom almost certainly will need to retire before the next election--are firm pro-choice votes, and McCain would replace them with firm anti-choice votes.

So hold all the grudges you want. Complain about sexism all you want. Complain about the DNC "stealing" Michigan votes from Hillary all you want--while remembering that even Donna Brazile noted that Hillary's attempts to count Michigan constituted nothing less than "cheating."

But for crying out loud, if you vote for anybody but Obama in November, you'll have no one to blame but yourself when McCain trashes women's causes. And the rest of us will know who to blame, as well.

Posted by: jonfromcali | June 3, 2008 1:54 AM

LOL! :-D

I really DO have to give McCain credit for one thing:

His Calender might say He's Old, but the dude is YOUNG!

Age, is a "Mentality". My younger Brother was "Old" at 22, HE, is now Balded, Grayed, and Grandfatherly-To Come!

Me? 48, Red Haired(Full), and looking for my YOUNGER First Wife to BEGIN a Family!

It is in the "Mind" Folks! McCain, is OBVIOUSLY, Young! ;~)

Posted by: SAINT---The | June 2, 2008 10:56 PM

Advice to Senator McCain & RNC re Clinton Supporters

Senator McCain:

If you want Hillary supporters to vote for you, just mention that it is ok to vote for a Maverick as a protest vote against the DNC RBC that stole Michigan votes from her to give to Obama as well as a protest vote against the MSM who have been Obama cheerleaders from the start and have treated Hillary badly on the airwaves.

If you really want to get the Clinton supporters in Michigan and Florida, all you need to do is have the RNC to publically admit they have made a mistake by taking away 1/2 the vote from Florida and Michigan b/c they realize that it disenfranchises those voters. Then have the RNC reinstate Florida and Michigan to full voting rights and make announcement about it.

Finally, let Clinton supporters know that you have not attended a racist and divisive church like Obama has because you have better judgment than that. Admit that you have had a couple of pastors whom have endorsed you that have made divisive comments, but point out that you don't attend their churches and that they are not your spiritual advisor like Rev. Jeremiah and the sexist priest, Mr. Pfleger. You will win the Clinton supporters in a heartbeat without having to spend a lot of money! >;)

Posted by: InSearchOfTruth | June 2, 2008 10:46 PM

If not Hillary Clinton, then I will support John McCain. I refuse to accept the fearmongering that is being spread on here and throughout the internet about how voting for the Maverick, Senator John McCain would be another Bush term. They are wrong for the following reasons: 1) He is a Maverick and does not toe the party line like Bush has done for the most part; 2) The Democrats are set to win a FILIBUSTER-PROOF MAJORITY based on their fundraising advantage and the fact that Democrats are polling better than Republicans and have taken previously Republican-held districts and states.

It will be impossible for John McCain to do all these supposedly "evil" things if the Democrats have a filibuster-proof majority.

So if John McCain tries to nominate ultra-conservative candidates to the Supreme Court, guess what? The Democrats will vote them down. If McCain tries to veto any progressive language that the Democrats pass, then the Democrats will simply override his veto. If McCain refuses to withdraw our troops, then the filibuster-proof Democratic-controlled Congress will simply force him to bring them home by passing a time-table forcing him to bring the troops home.

With a filibuster-proof majority, the Democrats will practically be able to run the country without John McCain if need be, so DO NOT FEAR voting for John McCain as a PROTEST vote in order to teach the DNC RBC and the Democratic elite a lesson!

If not Clinton, then vote for McCain (but make sure you vote Democratic candidates for Congress)!

Posted by: InSearchOfTruth | June 2, 2008 10:39 PM

Advise to Senator McCain & RNC re Clinton Supporters

Senator McCain:

If you want Hillary supporters to vote for you, just mention that it is ok to vote for a Maverick as a protest vote against the DNC RBC that stole Michigan votes from her to give to Obama as well as a protest vote against the MSM who have been Obama cheerleaders from the start and have treated Hillary badly on the airwaves.

If you really want to get the Clinton supporters in Michigan and Florida, all you need to do is have the RNC to publically admit they have made a mistake by taking away 1/2 the vote from Florida and Michigan b/c they realize that it disenfranchises those voters. Then have the RNC reinstate Florida and Michigan to full voting rights and make announcement about it.

Finally, let Clinton supporters know that you have not attended a racist and divisive church like Obama has because you have better judgment than that. Admit that you have had a couple of pastors whom have endorsed you that have made divisive comments, but point out that you don't attend their churches and that they are not your spiritual advisor like Rev. Jeremiah and the sexist priest, Mr. Pfleger. You will win the Clinton supporters in a heartbeat without having to spend a lot of money! >;)

Posted by: InSearchOfTruth | June 2, 2008 10:35 PM

Shige- Allow this well educated Catholic to put you at ease.

The Book(s) of Genesis are a collection of Stories the Israelites used to discuss issues of "Moralty" under the watchful eyes of their Slave Masters the Egyptians!

The Bohemians had a similar Collection of Stories they used disguised as "Tarot Cards".

BUT, don't take MY word for it;

Ask a Rabbi!

That includes IDIOTS like Hagee!

ASK a RABBI FOOL HAGEE! It is after all, Hebrew Literature!

Earth's 5,000 Years Old-LMFAO!

Hagee Nut-Jobs: How did Adam and Eve create Different RACES? :-D

Posted by: SAINT---The | June 2, 2008 9:10 PM

Do the writers at NBC's Heroes think John McCain is evil?

At least this is what I deduce when I read this sentence from the biography of Eden McCain (the girl with the power of persuasion in Season One).

"...it's probably no coincidence that her name - Eden McCain - encompasses images of both good and evil. "

So, unless there is something evil about the "Garden of Eden" (the place in the bible that only existed before the first act of sin), then I think they're calling out the presidential candidate.

What does anyone else think?

Posted by: Shige | June 2, 2008 8:48 PM

Congratulations on NOT reporting the Story!

What I want to know, is what is Senator McCain up to with Thompson?

Cabinet selection maybe?

Inquiring Minds want to KNOW! ;~)

Posted by: SAINT---The | June 2, 2008 8:26 PM

Amen, Victor, Amen! I am a professor of women's literature, and I was appalled by the Mrs. Clinton's behavior. The female students in my class, many of which are true blue feminists, believe Hillary took women two steps back. Nancy Pelosi doesn't cry and complain when she loses. The other women in the House and Senate fought to get where they were, many struggled through the Republican years, while Hillary marched in on her husbands coattails.

Posted by: Karen | June 2, 2008 6:59 PM

Many of you are a joke. I started off supporting Hillary, but changed after her manufactured tears and mystical metamorphoses . I vote for values and views, so those who want to abandon the party over a temper tantrum, go for it! You were half-heartedly concerned with the electoral systems anyways. My Lithuanian mother, a feminist from the 60-70's said Hillary is not what feminism is about. Surprising how the real feminist, the ones that fought for their rights, don't even support Hillary. Bill wants to talk about respecting his wife, and the media not giving her any. Well, was he giving her respect by having affairs, was he respecting the women he committed adultery with by demonizing them and calling them liars, where was her self respect then?

Posted by: Victor Rodriguez | June 2, 2008 6:50 PM

In Obama's Eight Years In The Illinois Senate, From 1996 To 2004,
Almost Two-Thirds Of The Money OBAMA Raised For His Campaigns - $296,000 Of
$461,000 - Came From PACs, Corporate Contributions, Or Unions, According To
Illinois Board Of Elections Records." (Scott Helman, "PACs And Lobbyists
Aided Obama's Rise - Data Contrast With His Theme," The Boston Globe,
8/9/07)

Posted by: jEFF | June 2, 2008 5:50 PM

Shouting about "the issues" will get Obama nowhere, just like it got Gore, Kerry and Dukakis nowhere. Obama is weak and confused, and the average American can sense that.

Posted by: Donna | June 2, 2008 5:45 PM

By destroying Clinton, Obama and his smart-alec supporters have seriously damaged the Democrats. Many Reagan Democrats, Latinos and women will abandon the Democrats in November.

Posted by: Marie | June 2, 2008 5:42 PM

blah blah blah Men just never get it. We don't care about the issues anymore, you've really insulted us. Obama and the media slandered and demonized our girl. We can't stand Obama now, so it's gonna be John McCain.

Posted by: Jane | June 2, 2008 5:38 PM

$1.5 million in 3 months in 4 states is nothing. The media has been going goo goo gaa gaa over Obama and he only needs to hiccup to get more attention than that.

Posted by: FloridaCounts | June 2, 2008 5:10 PM

Those who vote for McCain. Must do so on policies he is going to persue.There is serious ecnomic danger to America. This will become worse under Republicans. It will be very difficult to handle under any candidate... Do not expect too much.
BE CAREFUL!!!!!!Republicans will bring Church and Race as an issue and they have
money.!!!! but not ideas.

Posted by: Rachhpal S Kukreja | June 2, 2008 4:43 PM

Mars - get a life.
President Obama

Posted by: ob08 | June 2, 2008 4:32 PM

Let's be Barack Backers. He is the best choice. He has no PAAC or lobbyng supporters. He will not be influenced. He will be independent. He will get us out of the war and negotiate which is the most intelligent method for begining to bring World Peace. Personally, he needs to choose a former military General whi will increase his support among the fearing of his experience. Who cares if he is half black, he it totally qualified and not the status quo. I voted for Ross Perot two times and I believe, alhtough more popular, Barack most refelects a hope for bringin all peoples together.

Posted by: Dan Kelly | June 2, 2008 2:54 PM

WE will be stupid to vote for McBush's third term as we were stupid voting for George Bush's first and second term.

Say NO to McBush, say No to Bush McClone!!!

We need change!!!

Obama for president.

Posted by: Susan | June 2, 2008 2:37 PM

Why spend money on a losing ticket?

McCain: "Bush was great for america, we need 8 more years of his policies!"

America: "Do you live in THIS america!?"

Posted by: Mars | June 2, 2008 2:12 PM

I'm not an expert on media buys, but isn't $1.5 million over three months in four huge states pretty insignificant? That's a little over $100,000 per state per month, which, given the size of the states, seems pretty small to me.